Jeff Chelesvig, Civic Center President & CEO, says, “We are excited to offer this unique line-up of professional theater as part of our Temple Theater Series programming.” Chelesvig added that due to Prairie Meadows’ continued sponsorship and partnership with the Civic Center, the Temple Theater is able to remain a vibrant entertainment anchor for downtown Des Moines and the Western Gateway.

Gary Palmer, President and CEO of Prairie Meadows, looks forward to its second season of partnership with the Civic Center and to continuing its support of arts and culture in Central Iowa. “We are proud to serve as the title sponsor of the Prairie Meadows Temple Theater Series and contribute to the positive impact live, professional theater has on the quality of life within our community.”

2009-2010 PRAIRIE MEADOWS TEMPLE THEATER SERIES:

SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM (December 2-13, 2009) - It’s “Forensic Files goes to Bethlehem” as Sister takes on the mystery of what happened to the Magi’s gold. Employing her own tools, a local choir and a gaggle of audience members, Sister creates a living nativity unlike any you’ve ever seen. This is sure to become the newest addition to your holiday traditions.

DIXIE’S TUPPERWARE PARTY (January 13-24, 2010) - Last season’s smash hit comedy returns to the Temple Theater. Dixie Longate, the fast-talking Tupperware Lady, packed up her catalogues, left her children in an Alabama trailer park and took Off-Broadway and the nation by storm! Join Dixie as she travels the country throwing good ol’ fashioned Tupperware Parties filled with outrageously funny tales, free giveaways, audience participation, and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold on a theater stage. And yes, it’s a REAL Tupperware Party!

RUNT OF THE LITTER (February 10-21, 2010) - Former NFL player Bo Eason was told he was too small to play football. He stuck to his 20-year plan, and his determination and effort led to a successful collegiate and professional career as safety with the NFL’s Houston Oilers. This semi-autobiographical play looks at what happens to two brothers in a family of over-achievers when their parents assure their oldest son he is destined for football superstardom and tell their youngest son he is too small to compete. A line in the family sand is drawn that colors the rest of their lives. RUNT OF THE LITTER debuted in New York in 2002 and has subsequently been performed by Bo Eason at theaters around the country.

THE WONDER BREAD YEARS (March 10-21, 2010) - A salute to the Baby Boomer generation, THE WONDER BREAD YEARS, written and performed by Pat Hazell, is a fast-paced, hilarious production that gracefully walks the line between stand-up and theater. Declared one of the five funniest people in America by Showtime, Pat Hazell is one of the original writers for NBC’s Seinfeld. A critically acclaimed playwright, he is recognized for his genuinely funny Americana humor and his salute to pop culture. THE WONDER BREAD YEARS not only restores a much-needed sense of wonder, but leaves audiences laughing and savoring the past like never before.

GIRLS NIGHT THE MUSICAL (April 7-25, 2010) - Share the fun and laughs at this hilarious, feel-good comedy as five girlfriends go from heartbreak to happiness during a wild night of karaoke. Bursting with energy, GIRLS NIGHT is packed with every female anthem you can think of including Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Lady Marmalade, It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, Man, I Feel Like a Woman and more! GIRLS NIGHT is a not-to-be-missed slice of sizzling entertainment for anyone who really knows how to have fun!